A/N - Hello my Reylo Lovelies.  Another update that hopefully moves the plot along a bit.   Its a long chapter, so I hope you enjoy!  I'd like to give a shout out and thanks  to rainyday0307 and brhr14 for their insightful comments, which have helped me to hopefully stay on the right track.  (P.S. Both of them have great books you should check out!!). As always, please vote and provide any comments.  I really do love reading them - they make my day!  Thank you to everyone who has been reading!

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Four days later, Kylo sat in his temporary suite on Coruscant, drink in hand, trying to relax.   They were coming.   She was coming – was on her way.  He could feel her getting closer.  They would see each other, and be physically together again in the same place – not just though the bond.   It had been less than 3 weeks since Lothal, but he was excited to be back in her actual presence.

He hoped that they would be able to have some time alone together, and tried to think of a way to make that happen.  Maybe since they were all supposed to be making nice with each other, he'd invite her to dinner one night – under the guise of discussing their roles as force users.  It was a bit of a stretch, but that could work, couldn't it?

The First Order contingent had arrived earlier that day to ensure that all preparations were well underway in advance of the meetings.   The Resistance would be arriving first thing tomorrow. Rey had already told him that they should not visit each other tonight, since she'll be on the Falcon with the rest of their group.  It would be the first night they'd slept apart since Lothal, and he was going to miss her.  So far, the bond had not stayed open until morning, but at least they got to fall asleep together, and spend part of the night together, content.

Kylo took a deep breath and let out a long exhale.  These negotiations had to go well – everything was riding on it, and it was only the beginning.  He knew that if they couldn't get past these first steps, there was no way they'd be able to establish a lasting peace.  And that's what he really wanted.  For himself, for Rey, and for the First Order.  Sure, there would likely be disagreements with the Resistance going forward, and skirmishes in other systems that they wouldn't like, but if they could come up with protocols for dealing with each other when such things arose, then he was convinced that everything could work out. He hoped he wasn't being a fool.

Startled out of his thoughts by his holopad ringing, he answered quickly.

"Supreme Leader, Sir, it's Avanti."  The voice echoed over the transmission.

"Yes, go ahead."  He listened.

"Sir, there are a few things that need discussing and confirmation prior to the Resistance's arrival tomorrow morning.   Are you available to meet in the Imperial Meeting Room this evening?"

Kylo sighed.  He had just wanted to relax tonight, but since he wouldn't be seeing Rey, it would be a lonely, boring few hours, so he decided that it would be okay to have the meeting.  "Alright General.  I'll meet you in the Imperial Room in one half hour."

"Thank you, Sir.  I'll see you shortly."

When he arrived at the room he found General Avanti there alone, with some papers spread across the central table.  She was in casual attire, which took him a bit by surprise, since he was still in his daytime attire, only minus his cloak.  She smiled warmly at him and gestured for him to take the seat next to her.  "Good evening Sir."

He nodded and took the seat across from her instead.   "General."

Something in her eyes flickered for the briefest second before she went back to organizing the stack of notes in front of her.  He noticed she looked softer somehow with her blonde hair unbound.   "Are Needa and Peavey on their way?"  He asked.

She tilted her head to the side, looking at him with a small smile.  "No sir.  I had some very specific things I wanted to discuss, and I did not want to take up their time with these minute details."

A thread of uneasiness whispered through him, but he shook it off.  She was one of his Generals, and this was a professional meeting – wasn't it?  Leaning back in his chair, he looked across the table at her, trying to keep his face impassive.  "What in particular did you wish to discuss, General?"

"Sir, since we're in an informal setting, without the other officers around, please feel free to call me Amala."  She smiled at him.

He sat up and placed his hands on the table, trying to figure out how to deal with this situation. Maybe he was a fool, but he didn't think he was imagining her interest.  He studied her for a minute, and couldn't help comparing her to Rey.  Dressed down as she was right now, she was definitely attractive.  Tall of stature, with shoulder length blonde hair and blue eyes, she was Rey's complete opposite.   Most red-blooded men would probably be interested.  But all he could see was Rey.  He also recalled how he had felt when the pilot tried to get closer to her or touched her.  Would Rey be jealous if she knew?  Thinking about it, he decided that he didn't want to find out.

Considering how to carefully word his response, and giving her the slightest quirk of the corner of his mouth to soften it, he told her.   "Nothing personal General, but I would prefer that we keep it formal, regardless of these informal circumstances."

Her eyes flicked back up to him briefly once again, before responding.  "Of course Sir."  She pulled out a couple of papers, and passed them over to him.  "I know that Needa put together this full outline, but I think we should focus on the last points here...."

**

Rey took a deep breath to calm herself as they came out of light speed.  She could feel that he was close now, and was excited to see him.  Having fallen asleep alone for the first night since Lothal, she missed him, and longed to talk to him.  She desperately hoped that they'd be able to find some time alone together, but Finn was still watching her warily and giving her the cold shoulder.   Leia had decided to bring Rey, Finn and Connix as part of the negotiations committee. She also ended up bringing Poe along, but only as part of the entourage – he would not be participating in the negotiations.

Upon receiving clearance, they landed at the docking bay, and were met by two First Order staff who introduced themselves as Lieutenants Tiga and Munro.  Rey looked around anxiously, but everything appeared to be calm.  Poe quipped.  "What, no Stormtroopers?"

The two Lieutenants exchanged glances before responding.  "Uh.   No.  Should there be?"

Poe chuckled.  "Nah, just kidding guys.  So where's your boss?  You know, the Supreme Leader?" Poe said, making little hand motions as he said it sarcastically.

Leia reached over and smacked Poe in the back of the head.  "Behave, Poe."  She turned to the two Lieutenants and told them.  "You can escort this one to his quarters."  The two Lieutenants turned their heads to hide the smirks on their faces before Munro cleared his throat.  "The Supreme Leader and the rest of the negotiations committee await you in the Imperial Room. Please follow us."

Rey could feel her heartbeat starting to race as she got closer and closer.  Suddenly, she could hear him in her head.  I can feel you, Sweetheart.  She desperately tried to keep from smiling, lest anyone – most of all Finn – notice.  I can feel you too.  I'll see you in a few minutes.

His husky voice reverberated through her very being.  I missed you last night.

Her heart skipped.   Stop that!  She chastised.  It's hard enough not to show anything on my face, and when you say things like that...I can't help it!  My friends will think I'm crazy – or just plain weird!  Looking up, she could see that Finn was indeed giving her a weird look.

Stopping in front of a set of doors which opened automatically, the two Lieutenants nodded and gestured that the rest of them should enter.  There were four First Order staff seated at the table, and all rose when the Resistance members walked in, but Rey could only see Ben.   Their gazes connected briefly, and she could feel a jolt go through her at the feelings that flowed from that one brief peek.  She immediately looked down to the ground to keep from staring at him, and possibly blushing.  Flicking her gaze to Finn, she could see that he noticed her reaction to Ben, and her downward gaze.   To Finn however, it looked like she was too afraid to look at Kylo Ren.

Rey surreptitiously watched Leia try to keep her composure, and not get misty-eyed in front of Ben.  It was probably the first sight of him that she'd had in person in over 10 years.   Glimpsing at Ben, she could see him also try to maintain his own self-possession, and could feel his suddenly rioting emotions at being in his Mother's presence after so long, and all he'd done.  The two just nodded their heads at each other in quiet acknowledgement.  Rey sighed.   She'd have to try to somehow arrange for just the two of them to meet at some point in the next couple of days.

Introductions were made – Kylo introduced his team, and Leia introduced hers.  Hands were not shaken.  Each member only nodded at the others in response.

Looking across at the First Order officers, Rey was taken aback that one of the generals was female.  She hadn't expected that within the First Order, but guessed that since Captain Phasma had been a woman, it shouldn't be a complete surprise.

After the introductions were finished, they all took their seats, and Ben nodded to one of his Generals, who began speaking.   It was so quiet at first, you could hear a pin drop over the young General's voice.  As the proposals were presented however, both sides began to uneasily ask questions, and eventually real discussions began.

Although it was a bit of a stressful situation, the demeanor of everyone began to lighten as they appeared to be making some small bits of progress.  Before they all knew it, several hours had passed by, and serving droids brought in some refreshments.  The female General, Avanti, Rey remembered, suggested that they take a break for a few minutes, and everyone agreed.  Before they did however, Avanti announced that because of the stress of the situation, they had arranged for the two groups to dine separately that evening.  "Should we all feel more comfortable with each other tomorrow evening, we can dine together."  She told them.

Rey was interested in the snacks and drinks that the droids had brought out, and so didn't hesitate to get up and grab a plate.  Kylo watched her and smiled inwardly.  She definitely loved to eat.  He wanted to feed her every insanely delicious delicacy from every corner of the galaxy.

Walking over to grab his own plate and stand next to her, he kept his posture formally rigid and tried to engage her in what would appear to be polite conversation.   "Are the refreshments to your liking?"  He asked politely.

She also kept her posture stiff, and tried to maintain a distance between them, when all she wanted to do was move closer and lean into him.  "Yes, thank you."

"You should try the Andelorian sweets – the small red squares – they're really quite good."  He told her.

Reaching out, she grabbed one of the small morsels and popped it into her mouth instead of onto her plate.   Her eyes widened in shock at the intense flavours that burst in her mouth.  She flicked her gaze upward at him with an amazed smile.  "They are really good!"

His mouth softened the slightest bit, and he told her in her head.  I wanted to make sure you tried one – I know how much you like to try new things, and they're especially good.

Finn watched the whole exchange from the other side of the room, noting how stiff Rey's form seemed to be.  Something Kylo Ren said had made her smile, causing him to narrow his gaze and start making his way over to them.  He was just close enough to hear Ren's very formal sounding request to Rey.

"Since you and I are likely two of the last trained Force user's in the galaxy, we should probably discuss some things.  Would you be willing to have dinner with me this evening, and we can go over them?"

Before Rey could answer, Finn jumped in.  "She's not going to be left alone in a room with a monster like you!"

Both Rey and Kylo's eyes snapped to Finn, Kylo's face now tense and clearly angry.  "Finn!"  Rey exclaimed.  "I can answer for myself."

At this, Kylo interjected.  "And I don't recall asking you."  He said pointedly to Finn.

Rey's eyes flicked to and away from Ben's quickly and gave a flash of warning.  Don't!  She said to him in his head.

Why not?  Ben asked.  He's treating you like a child.

Let me handle this!  She hissed to him through the bond, all the while looking at Finn.

"Finn.  He's right."  She began.  "He and I probably should discuss some ground rules about how the Force should be used going forward."

Finn's face was a visage of absolute shock.  "You're not seriously considering having dinner with him, are you?"

Rey could feel Ben's anger spike, as she tried to calm the situation.   "Finn, we're all here together in good faith-"

"No harm will come to her."  Kylo cut her off, his statement coming out on a growl.  "For the sake of the Maker, what do you think I'm going to do, kill her while she sits across from me at the dinner table?"  He kept his voice low, trying not to attract too much attention.  However, he could see his Mother looking over at them in concern, and also begin moving towards them. Great.  He thought, as his anxiety doubled.

"If you're seriously going to do this, then I'm coming with you."  Finn stated boldly.

At that point, they all started speaking at the same time, until they could hear Leia's firm but quiet,  "Enough!"  They all stopped, looking over at her.

"Finn, Rey's a grown woman and can make her own decisions.  Stay out of this.  Kylo, you can assure us that no harm will come to her while she's with you?"

Ben was surprised at her use of his name, and gritted his teeth as he responded.  "I already have."

"Good."  Leia acknowledged, and turned to Rey.  "Rey, you're comfortable with this?"

Rey looked at Leia with sheer gratitude, realizing that Leia knew exactly what was going on, and was giving the two of them some much needed alone time.   She flicked her gaze over to Ben, who seemed to be realizing the same thing.  "Yes. It'll be fine.  There are things the two of us should discuss about the Force."

"Of course."  Leia said, but a twinkle was clearly evident in her eyes.

Just then, General Needa walked up and interrupted them.  "Supreme Leader, Sir.  There is an urgent incoming message for you from General Hux."

Kylo nodded at Needa and turned back to Rey.  "I'll send someone for you at the 19th standard hour this evening."  Kylo told her.  She nodded in response and he walked away with his General, leaving her with Finn and Leia.  Finn scowled at her, and also walked away, her gaze following him.

"Finn is just being protective."  Leia told her.   "You shouldn't hold it against him."

"I know."  She sighed.  "Leia....Thank you."  Rey told her sincerely. Leia reached out and squeezed her hand.  "You're welcome.  But Rey, be careful."  She warned.  Rey gave her a brief nod as they walked back to the table to restart the discussions.

***

Kylo sighed in irritation before taking the comm link from Needa, once they were outside of the meeting room.  "General, what is the problem?"

"Supreme Leader, the negotiations on Vandor-1 have taken a turn."  Kylo could hear the sneer in Hux's voice.  "They are refusing to continue any negotiations.  They refuse to agree to ban nor assist in routing out and closing down any of their local slave trading operations."

Kylo took a deep breath before answering.  "General, I thought you had these negotiations well in hand, and were making progress?  What happened?"

Hux's voice had an air of condescension when he replied.  "It appears to have been a stall tactic. They have amassed a sizable local Resistance force.  Our intelligence reports that they are getting ready to attack the First Order."

Growling, Kylo asked.  "What would you suggest General?"

"We should attack them immediately and eliminate their local Resistance militia."  Hux's voice was dripping with satisfaction.

"Is Varda there?  Does he concur?"  Kylo asked.

He could hear Varda's voice through the comm link.  "I am here Supreme Leader, and I do agree with General Hux's assessment of the situation as well as the suggested attack."

Pondering for a moment, Kylo responded.  "Very well.  Launch an attack on their Resistance militia, but only to the extent to send a message.   I don't want to wipe them out just yet.   But I also want you to take out one of their slave traders.  Understood?"

"Yes Sir.  It will be done.  We'll report back shortly."

***

They were still at it several hours later, when Rey began to get sleepy.   Her eyelids felt heavy and she began to nod off.  Throughout the meeting, she'd let her gaze stray to Ben every once in awhile.  Their eyes would meet for a second, and then both would glance away.  It gave her a warm feeling every time.

Tired, Sweetheart?  She jolted back into full wakefulness, and heard his soft chuckle in her mind.

A little.  She admitted.  We seem to be stuck talking about a lot of boring details, which makes it even harder to stay awake.  She muttered.

Yes, but they're important boring details.  Everything needs to be spelled out so everyone knows exactly what's required and where they stand.

I know.  She told him.  I'm just getting tired.  I didn't sleep well last night.   Without you there.

She felt his warmth at her statement flow through to her.  Me neither.  He said quietly.  His inner voice became husky.  Hopefully you won't be too tired tonight.  I intend to keep you awake for a long while.

Her eyes were downcast at the table, but they widened at his suggestion, and she tried to keep from blushing.  Ben – stop!

I've tried, but I can't.   I've been sitting here for the last hour, watching you, thinking of all the things I want to do to you.  I'm hard as a stone.   I couldn't get up right now without causing a stir in the room.

Rey let out a small coughing sound and looked up at General Avanti, who was speaking.  Her gaze settled on Rey momentarily, and she felt her flash of annoyance at the unintended interruption, as well as something else she couldn't identify.  Rey glanced back down at the table again.  Behave!  She admonished to him.

Never.  He teased.

**

They broke for the day several hours later and the Resistance team was shown to their rooms. Leia had been shown to her own private suite, while the rest of them were given rooms off of a common area with a kitchen and lounge.  After claiming their rooms, they sat around chatting while waiting for the serving droids to finish preparing their meal.  All eyes were on Rey as she waited for her impending dinner with Kylo Ren.

Kaydel Connix was the first to speak up about it, while Finn and Poe just glared at her.

"I can't believe you're going to have dinner alone with him!  Aren't you nervous?"  She asked.

"Not really.  I mean we've kind of had some interactions before, so I think it should go fine."  Rey shrugged.  "He's promised not to hurt me, and he really doesn't seem to be as scary or intimidating as he used to be."

"Are you kidding me, Rey?"  Having stayed silent the entire time, Poe could hold back no longer. "That is Kylo-freaking-Ren out there!"  Poe snapped, pointing in the direction of the door.   "The guy that tortured me during interrogation and damn near killed Finn on Starkiller!  Not to mention the things he's done to you!"

Rey cocked her head and looked at Poe.  "What is it you think he's done to me?"  She asked incredulously.  "I'm the one who gave him that scar, if you'll remember, and I bested him on the Supremacy too – its how I got away.  If anything, I've done more to him.  So, Poe, what exactly has he done to me?"

Finn took a deep breath before answering, instead of Poe.  "Rey, it was clear to all of us that something happened to you on the Supremacy."  He paused.  "You weren't the same person we all knew. You were withdrawn, quiet, barely ate.  And if anyone mentioned his name, it was like you froze!"  He raked his hands over his head .  "It took you months to get back to anything close to normal, so don't tell me he didn't do anything to you!"

Rey looked at Poe intently, and then to Finn too.  "Listen to me – both of you bullheaded nerfherders – I had my own reasons for the funk I was in after Crait, and they had nothing to do with anything he did to me!"  She blew out an exasperated breath.  "Please get that through your thick heads!"

There was a beat of silence before Kaydel chimed in.  "I really don't think he's that scary.   I actually think he's kind of handsome in a dark and dangerous sort of way."  All three heads snapped to look at Connix, who shrunk under their scrutiny.   Rey's eyes widened in shock and she almost said Thank you! out loud.

Turning back to Finn and Poe, Rey continued.   "So, given that, do you not think that the two of you might be overreacting just a little bit?"

In unison, both Finn and Poe said.  "Nope."

Rey took a deep breath.   "Okay, since both of you have had past experience with him, do you not think he seems a lot less angry, his reactions a lot less violent than they used to be?"

Both men began squirming at this.  "That's what I thought."  She said.

At that moment there was a soft chime at the door, and Kaydel went to press the access button. Lieutenant Tiga stood in the doorway.  "Good evening.  I'm here to escort Lady Rey to the Supreme Leader?"

Kaydel tittered softly.  "Ohhh...Lady Rey.  That sounds so regal!"

Rey rolled her eyes and grinned as she walked by Connix.  "Okay, okay.  Good evening Lieutenant, shall we go?"  She said as she swept out of the room.  She had had a quick shower and changed her clothes once she got her room after their meeting had ended.  Butterflies were flickering in her stomach, and she had to slow her pace so as not to walk faster than the Lieutenant.

Arriving at a door at the end of a hall, Tiga pushed the small door chime, and the door opened almost immediately.   Ben looked at her and she had to keep from throwing herself into his arms.  Not breaking her gaze, he stepped back and gestured for Rey to enter, telling Tiga.  "Thank you Lieutenant. Dismissed."

As soon as the door closed behind her, Ben grabbed her, spun her around and pressed her up against it, his lips crashing to hers.  Neither could suppress a groan and a shudder at the much needed contact.  Rey's hands wound their way around his neck and into his hair, while he kissed her frantically and pressed his hips into hers.   Breaking the kiss, he leaned his forehead against hers.   "Gods Rey it was so damn difficult to sit across from you all day and not do that!!"

She tightened her hold on him and kissed him again before saying.  "I know.   It felt so weird acting like we didn't really know each other!"  Sighing she went on,  "But we're together now, and that's what's important.  The idea of the Force-user's dinner was brilliant by the way, but as you saw it did cause a stir with Finn – as well as Poe."

"The pilot?  He's here?"  His stomach clenched.   Would that guy always be hanging around?

"Yes, but he's not part of the negotiation team."  Shaking her head she told him.  "He's too hot headed, and can't put aside his hatred of the First Order."

Ben looked at her seriously.  "No Rey, that's not it.  I've seen many others like him before.  To him, this is about winning the fight.  His ego won't let him accept anything but winning.  I saw it in his mind when... I interrogated him on Starkiller.  And negotiating with the First Order is not a win in his mind."  He looked away before continuing uncomfortably.  "Eventually, it will probably also come down to winning the girl."

She narrowed her eyes at him.  "I'm not a prize to be won."

His thumb traced her cheek lightly.   "Don't worry, I know that.  But I'm not sure that he does.  Its probably one of the reasons my Mother didn't choose him to be on the team."

Looking deeply into his eyes, she knew that he was likely right, and simply nodded her agreement.

"Are you hungry?"  He asked.  "Knowing your love of food, I ordered quite the spread for you."  He told her, gesturing behind him.

She peeked around him and for the first time noticed the elaborately set dining table laden with a number of covered plates.  Turning her gaze back up to him, she smiled.  "I'm not hungry for food right now."  She could see his eyes darken as he pulled her closer.  "We probably only have an hour – maybe an hour and a half – before they send out a search party for me, and I'd like to make the most of it."

He kissed her hungrily, and they both began moving towards the bedroom, shedding their clothing as they went.

***

Afterward, they lay in bed for a few minutes, still entwined with one another, relishing in their lingering feeling of contentment at being together.  "Its different through the bond than when we're actually together, isn't it?"  She asked him.

"Definitely."  He answered.  "Its more...."

"Intense?"  Rey asked.

He thought about it for a minute.  "Yes. But there's something more.  I mean, when we connect through the bond, it never seems as if anything's missing, but maybe that's because connecting through the bond is normal for us, and actually physically being in each other's presence is rare."

"That could be it."  She told him.

He pulled her to him a bit tighter, and told her gruffly.  "Rey, I hope that one day soon it will be the other way around."  His throat began to close and he couldn't say anything more.

She looked up at him, her heart in her eyes.  "I would like that more than anything."

Smiling at her softly uttered words, he kissed the top of her head.  "Before I forget, say Thank you to my Mother for me."

Rey chortled.  "Well I guess that confirms that she did in fact know."

"Of course she knew."  Ben scoffed.  "I told you that before.  I know how her mind works."

She hesitated for a minute before broaching the next subject.  "Ben, you should probably try to meet with your Mother privately for a few minutes at some point during these negotiations."

Feeling him stiffen, and pull away from her slightly, he asked.  "Whatever for?"

Leaning over him and taking his face into her hands, she gave him a knowing look.  "Because its important and necessary for both of you to move forward."  She told him quietly.

He looked away from her, and she could feel his fear and annoyance spike.  After a minute he looked back at her silently for awhile before finally sighing.  "Fine.  Maybe tomorrow.  But if she doesn't want to you will not push this!"  He told her sternly.   Rey beamed back at him and kissed him soundly, but her belly chose that moment to rumble loudly.  "My hungry Scavenger," He laughed, as she blushed.  "I guess I had better feed you now."

"I'll be there in a couple of minutes.   I'm going to jump into the fresher.  I don't want to look like I've been -that we've been – "  She stopped, embarrassed.

Ben grinned hugely.  "No, that probably wouldn't be good.  The traitor and the pilot would probably try to kill me in my sleep."  His smile got even bigger.

She let his slurs on her friends go, but was perplexed.   "I don't understand.  Then why are you smiling?"

He immediately looked contrite, but was still smiling as he smugly told her.  "Because I'm imagining finally being rid of them when they tried to kill me but ended up dead themselves."

Knowing he was joking, she smacked his shoulder lightly before rolling her eyes and jumping out of bed to head into the fresher.  Men.  She thought.

***

Almost as if on cue, at 8:30 the door chime to Kylo's suite sounded.  He looked across the table at Rey and growled, but she just smiled in return.

He wasn't going to let this chance to have some fun pass him by though.  He answered the chime and stood in the doorway, blocking their view of the inside of his suite.   Both Finn and Poe stood in the doorway.  "Yes?"  He asked impatiently.

"We're here for Rey."  Poe told him assertively.

"The lady isn't finished her dinner yet.  You'll have to wait."  He told them, and promptly closed the door in their faces.

Turning to face her, he smiled hugely.  "That was fun."

"Ben!  Stop!"  She said on a laugh.

"What?  Did you ask them to come get you, or agree that they would?"

"No."  She smirked. 

"Fine.  Then let them stew.  This is their stupid problem, not ours.  Let's finish our dessert."  He told her, and promptly sat back down.

Looking across the table at him, she was amazed.  Where had Kylo Ren gone?  This was a completely different man.   Her heart sped up.

He must have felt it, because suddenly he looked up.  "If you don't stop looking at me like that your friends are going to have to wait a lot longer."

She shook her head to clear it, but still continued to gaze at him warmly.  "I love you."

Exhaling a shaky breath, he asked.  "Will you come back to sleep tonight?  Through the bond?"

"Yes, of course."  She told him with a small smile.  "Let's put those two nerfherders out of their misery though – before they stupidly try to break the door in."  Getting up, they moved together as one, and gave each other a last kiss and embrace.  "I'll see you later."

***

"I'm telling you Poe, he's done something to her!"  Finn exclaimed.

Poe sat back, and took another sip of his drink.  "Done something?  Like what exactly?"

"I don't know.  But she's clearly terrified of him, and yet she almost seems to like him!" Frustratedly gesturing with his hands.  "Its too weird!"

"Finn, buddy, don't you think you might be reading a bit too much into it?"  Poe asked warily.

"You saw how she was when we picked her up tonight!  She looked energized!  Cheerful!  When have we seen her like that lately?"  He was getting increasingly upset as he continued.

Poe thought about it for a minute.  "Do we not want Rey to be in good spirits?"

"Of course we do!  But, you know they have those Jedi mind tricks.  It's like, maybe he's mind tricking her to turn her to the dark side!  Or haven't you heard of those stories where people get tortured and end up loving their tormentor because of the mental stress they put onto them? What if that's happened to Rey?"  Finn continued, furiously.

At this, Poe sat up straight.  "You think its him?  Kylo Ren?  That she might love him?"

"I do."  Finn responded.  "I'm telling you – something happened on Lothal.  When she came back from being stranded overnight, she was downright cheerful!  I'm saying that I think he was there, and he brainwashed her!!"

Now Poe was upset.   "Shit.  Okay Buddy, let's keep an eye on the two of them, just to make sure."  He stared across the room, at nothing.  Then, he said ominously.   "If we find out that he has done something to her, I'm going to rip him apart with my bare hands."